Definition: And Ishbibenob, which [was] of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear [weighed] three hundred [shekels] of brass in weight, he being girded with a new [sword], thought to have slain David.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage about a dispute between two tribes of Ishbilians (a group of people in ancient Israel). Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Dispute: The Ishbilians, a tribe living near Jerusalem, were having a disagreement with the Philistines. They felt the Philistines were unfairly strong and powerful. The Giant’s Spear: One Ishbiliam, named Ishbibenob, had a spear that was exceptionally long – it weighed approximately 300 shkels (which is roughly equivalent to about 18 pounds). This spear was so impressive, they considered it a symbol of strength and might. The Warrior’s Preparation: Ishbibenob, feeling confident and ready for battle, spent a lot of time preparing his spear. He used a new sword as a “sword” – essentially, he was putting himself up to fight. What's the Verse Saying? The verse says that Ishbibenob thought about this giant’s spear and how it would make him strong enough to defeat David. He was preparing for a battle against David, who was the King of Israel at the time. It suggests he was contemplating a confrontation. Important Note: This is a very symbolic and somewhat poetic passage. It doesn't tell us exactly what happened next. It’s more about Ishbibenob’s thoughts and preparations than a straightforward narrative. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse highlights several things: Pride and Arrogance: It shows Ishbibenob was feeling very proud of his spear and his strength. A Threat: It suggests that Ishbibenob was preparing to challenge David, potentially as a form of intimidation or a challenge to David’s authority. In short, it's a story about a warrior’s thoughts and preparations leading up to a potential conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 2 Samuel? Discuss the significance of this passage in a broader context within the Bible?